The Washington Capitals announced that Alexander Ovechkin has tested positive for COVID-19, leaving him unable to participate in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game.
The Washington Capitals announced that Alexander Ovechkin has tested positive for COVID-19, leaving him unable to participate in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game.
COVID-19 has once again made its presence known at a marquee hockey event.
The Washington Capitals announced on Wednesday afternoon that forward Alexander Ovechkin has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the team's upcoming game versus the Edmonton Oilers that night.
As a result of the positive test, Ovechkin will also be unable to participate in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game, which is set to take place this coming Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas.
Ovechkin's absence not only serves as a significant loss from an entertainment perspective, as the sniper is one of the league's best players and most dynamic scorers, but it also means that the NHL will need to select a new captain to represent the Metropolitan Division in his place.
At the time, no replacement has been announced, although that will likely change with the Skills Showcase set to kick off in just two days' time.
Still, it's disappointing that Ovechkin will miss the All-Star Game yet again. The 36-year-old has continued to defy Father Time this season, rocketing his way up the NHL's all-time goal leaderboard and challenging for the Rocket Richard Trophy with a whopping 29 goals in 46 games.
Here's hoping Ovechkin makes a full recovery and can return to the ice safely as soon as possible.